OBI slates Shawnee blood drives

The Oklahoma Blood Institute (OBI) invites all local area residents to donate blood this April at these upcoming blood drives:

Monday, April 1

• Noon to 5 p.m., St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital, 1102 W. MacArthur.

Saturday, April 6

• 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., Shawnee Mall, 4901 N. Kickapoo, Suite 5000.

By donating blood, donors can feel good about helping to save someone else’s life. As an added bonus, all blood donors will receive an OBI insulated lunch tote, free health screenings and Donor Reward Points. However, if blood donors choose to forgo the donor appreciation item, funds designated for this item will be directed to our partnering organization, Global Blood Fund (GBF). Global Blood Fund and Oklahoma Blood Institute both share a common goal, to make blood available to those in need.

One in every seven people entering a hospital will need blood and every two seconds someone is in need of blood. Since there is no substitute for human blood, supplies must constantly be renewed.

Although those with O-negative type blood are strongly encouraged to donate, Oklahoma Blood Institute welcomes all donor participation in the St. Anthony Shawnee Hospital and Shawnee Mall blood drives.

Oklahoma Blood Institute manages the life-saving donations from more than 209,000 individuals each year and is the ninth largest, non-profit blood center in America. For more information or to make an appointment, contact Oklahoma Blood Institute at 877-340-8777 or visit us at www.obi.org.

* 16 year olds must weigh at least 125 and provide signed parental permission, 17 year olds must weigh at least 125 pounds, 18+ year olds must weigh at least 110 pounds.